HPU vs. Penn State Harrisburg

Comparable Facts

Compare High Point University in High Point, NC with Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

High Point University is larger than Penn State Harrisburg based on total student enrollment (6,331 students vs. 4,478 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• High Point University is located in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting); Penn State Harrisburg is in Middletown, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Harrisburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: High Point University 21:1; Penn State Harrisburg 15:1.

HPU vs. Penn State Harrisburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU or Penn State Harrisburg? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Penn State Harrisburg than HPU ($23,788 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Harrisburg are 23.5% lower than at High Point University ($14,474 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 183.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Harrisburg (about $29,340 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $15,972.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.1% higher at HPU than at Penn State Harrisburg (about $18,354 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $26,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at High Point University than at Penn State Harrisburg (95% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by High Point University students is 145.1% larger than aid received by Penn State Harrisburg students ($22,664 vs. $9,245).

HPU vs. Penn State Harrisburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU or Penn State Harrisburg? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Penn State Harrisburg and HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at High Point University (1220) is the same as at Penn State Harrisburg (1220).
• Incoming HPU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Penn State Harrisburg).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; Penn State Harrisburg 1120/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; Penn State Harrisburg 22/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; Penn State Harrisburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Harrisburg students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at HPU (3.4).
• Penn State Harrisburg has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than HPU (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 11.2% at Penn State Harrisburg.

HPU vs. Penn State Harrisburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU and Penn State Harrisburg? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Penn State Harrisburg earn a median of about $13,300 more per year than HPU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,300 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, High Point University graduates have a $4,397 lower median loan debt than Penn State Harrisburg graduates ($22,421 vs. $26,818).
• Among borrowers, HPU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn State Harrisburg graduates ($231 vs. $277).
• More HPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Harrisburg students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.